An El Paso County-based veteran and a Colorado Springs teen were recently honored for their contributions to the local military community.

Thomas Miller and Summer Holloway have been named the 2025 El Paso County Veteran of the Year and Boys & Girls Clubs’ regional Military Youth of the Year.

Miller’s award was announced at the Military Affairs Council’s Armed Forces Luncheon on May 14. Holloway was named Colorado’s Military Youth of the Year on April 8 before winning a southwest regional competition in Frisco, Texas on May 16.

Since its 2017 inception, the El Paso County Military Veteran of the Year program has highlighted former service members who go beyond expectations in service to the local veteran community.

An Army veteran who served from 1971 to 1976, Miller has demonstrated a passion for service that has extended far beyond his time in uniform, officials said. He has developed a hands-on approach to helping his fellow veterans, especially those in need, delivering furniture and other essentials to formerly homeless veterans.

“Mr. Miller’s compassion and commitment make him a shining example of what this award represents,” said Vernon Stewart, El Paso County’s community resources executive director.

Miller said his outreach efforts are the least he can do to support those who have served.

“Every veteran deserves to feel seen, supported, and respected, and I’m grateful to contribute however I can,” he said.

Established in 2013, the Military Youth of the Year program recognizes standout teens served by Boys & Girls Clubs of America-affiliated youth centers on U.S. military installations around the globe. Holloway, a 13-year Club member, represented the RP Lee Youth Center at Peterson Space Force Base.

Holloway, whose father is active-duty Air Force, was selected for the regional award following multiple interviews and speeches before a panel of high-ranking military service members, according to a news release. The panel also reviewed her contributions to the Boys and Girls Club community.

Will Wellschlager, assistant youth director at Peterson, said he has been inspired by Holloway’s growth.

“Traveling the world as a military kid may sound glamorous, but it’s not,” Wellschlager said. “She’s had to start over a lot, and she’s had difficulty maintaining friendships. The fact that she grew up with Tourette Syndrome has made it even harder. But rather than let that get her down, she has used it to grow and make herself stronger.”

For winning the Southwest Military Youth of the Year, Holloway received a $20,000 scholarship and a $3,600 cash stipend, renewable for four years. She will compete for the national Military Youth of the Year in Washington, D.C., this summer.

“Youth of the Year has been life-changing for me,” she said. “Between the connections and opportunities, I have never felt more successful.”